ICD 10 CM S55.992A | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S55.992A describes a medical condition where there is a presence of damage or tearing to the blood vessels that supply the region of the forearm, caused by various factors such as blunt or penetrating trauma from a motor vehicle accident or sports activity, a puncture or gunshot wound, external compression or force, or injury during surgery, and the provider identifies a specific type of injury at the forearm level which is not represented by another code, but the provider does not specify which forearm level blood vessels are injured at this initial encounter.

Official Description Of S55.992A

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S55.992A as:

When To Use S55.992A

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM S55.992A code refers to an injury of unspecified blood vessels located in the left forearm that involves a range of symptoms. This type of injury can result in significant blood loss, pain, swelling, tenderness, numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the hand and forearm. Other associated symptoms may include local bruising, weakness, and low blood pressure. The injury can also cause diminished or absent radial pulse resulting in decreased blood flow that may leave the limb feeling cold or discolored. In severe cases, the injury may lead to the formation of a hematoma, inability to move the arm, bleeding or even blood clot.

To diagnose this type of injury, healthcare providers rely on a combination of the patient’s medical history and physical examination. This may include assessment of sensation, reflexes, and vascular function, such as checking for the presence of bruits. The healthcare provider may also order imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, venography, angiography, arteriography, duplex doppler scan, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and computed tomography angiography (CTA) to obtain further details about the extent and severity of the injury.

Treatment for this type of injury depends on the severity of the injury itself. Mild cases may only require observation and treatment to attain hemostasis at the wound site. For more severe cases, however, the healthcare provider may need to repair the damaged blood vessel. Providers may choose to treat the injury with standard surgical techniques or use endovascular surgical techniques if necessary.

Overall, the ICD 10 CM S55.992A diagnosis code covers a broad range of injuries that affect the blood vessels of the left forearm. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to preventing complications and achieving a successful recovery. Patients who suspect they may have sustained an injury to their blood vessels should seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate care.